We asked a gardener if you should water plants with cooking water—here’s when it actually helps

"Hidden Potential in Your Kitchen: Unconventional Boost for Soil Health Revealed A surprising discovery has shed new light on the potential of starchy pasta or potato cooking water in improving soil health. Researchers have found that using this nutrient-rich liquid as a fertilizer can significantly boost soil microbiome activity, leading to healthier and more resilient plants. The key lies in harnessing the natural sugars and starches present in the cooking water, which serve as a vital food source for beneficial microorganisms in the soil. By incorporating this unconventional fertilizer into their gardening routines, environmentally conscious gardeners may be able to reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers and create a more sustainable growing environment."

Key Points Starchy pasta or potato cooking water can boost soil microbiome activity, benefiting plants.Never use salted cooking water. High salt concentrations are toxic to plants, hindering water and ...